DA'AS TORAH (A HALACHIC RULING) ISSUED BY THE MOST PROMINENT RABBIS IN ISRAEL CONCERNING TERRITORiAL COMPROMISE IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH TO THE MILLIONS OF JEWS RESIDING IN ISRAEL

bs"d

As you can see below, there are many Rabbanim (Rabbinic Leaders)  in Eretz Yisroel that say that giving away parts of Eretz Yisroel is Pikuach Nefesh (dangerous).  I believe that this consensus came out prior to the expulsion of Gush Katif.  The situation in Gaza today reflects how the Daas Torah ruling was on the mark.

What is missing are the names of the Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah, the network of Rabbis from the OU, the Young Israel and Chabad International.

Rav Eliashiv, the most widely accepted Rabbinic Leader in the chareidi circles seems to agree with the ruling below.  In a speech made by Rav Perlow, Rosh Agudath Yisroel, at the Agudah Convention in 2007  he quoted Rav Eliashiv as saying that giving away parts of Eretz Yisroel, and it was implied that he was referring to Yerushalyim, would make the security situation worse.  In addition Rav Perlow publicly stated in that same speech that  the expulsion from Gush Katif was disastrous.

What is missing is a public statement from the Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah that will serve as a stepping stone to mobilize Am Yisroel, the nation of Israel  via their vast internal networks, databases, mailing lists and access of the media, to publicize their rulings as news and publicly claim our entitlement to Eretz Yisroel.  This would create a Kiddush Hashem, a sanctification of G-d's name. . 

Our collective silence regarding the ongoing peace process, releasing of terrorists etc indicates our collective support for decisions being made for us by the Government of Israel, the United States of America, the European Union and the UN.

Even if we rally with the government of Israel's at this present time to go into Gaza,  how can we ignore their willingness to establish a Palestinian State putting the entire Israel into danger

Every morning in our daily prayers in Hodu in Psukei Dzimra, taken from Chronicles 16 we recite

"Zichru LeOlam Briso, Davar Tziva LeElef Dor, Asher Karas es Avraham, Ushvuoso LeYitzchok. Vayaamideha leYaakov  leChok, LeYisroel Bris Olam, Lamor, Lecha Etain Eretz Canaan, Chevel Nachalaschem" 

Remember forever His covenant, - the Word He commanded for a thousand generations, - that He made with Abraham and His vow to Isaac, ...then He established it for Jacob as a statute, for Israel as a covenant everlasting. To you I shall give the Land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance.  (interlinear translation from Artscroll Schottenstein edition page 80 )

The note on the bottom of the Artscroll reads as follows:

"For a thousand generations. G-d's word". - His covenant with Israel  - lasts for a thousand generations - a poetic expression meaning forever.  He sealed His covenant with Abraham, designated Isaac as Abraham's successor, and then chose Jacob over Esau, thus making Israel His chosen people everlastingly (Tzilosa D'Avraham)

"Sing to Hashem" As we find repeated in Prophets, all nations will follow Israel's lead in recognizing and serving G-d. The fourteen verses alluded here refer to those days.  However, David also referred to a salvation that occured in his own lifetime. The Philistines had captured the Holy Ark and destroyed the Tabernacle at Shiloh. But the presence of the Ark in the Philistine cities brought plagues upon them.  Recognizing the hand of G-d in their suffering, the Philistines returned the Ark with a gift of tribute to G-d.  'The same will happen in future times when Israel's oppressors will recognize G-ds majesty.

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DA'AS TORAH (A HALACHIC RULING) ISSUED BY THE MOST PROMINENT RABBIS IN ISRAEL

CONCERNING TERRITORIAL COMPROMISE

IT IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH TO THE MILLIONS OF JEWS RESIDING IN ISRAEL

There is a definitive ruling in the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law), Orach Chaim 329-6, which states: "if a band of heathens have surrounded a Jewish city (on Sabbath), if their intention is only to rob, we may not desecrate the Sabbath to defend our property. If their intention is to kill or even if their intention is unknown but there is a reason to suspect that it might be to kill - then we are to go forth against them with weapons and we may desecrate the Sabbath for this purpose.

However, if the city in question is close to the border, then even where their intention is only to rob 'straw or stubble', we are commanded to desecrate the Sabbath to defend the city against them. " The RAMA ads: "even if they have not yet arrived but are only preparing to arrive". The RAV's Shulchan Aruch amplifies: "However, if the city in question is close to the border, then even where their intention is to rob straw and stubble, we desecrate the Sabbath to defend the city against them, for if we will not do so they might capture this (strategic) city - and from there it will be easier for them to conquer the rest of the land. This coincides with Rashi's comments (in Eruvin 45a) on the word "Border": "If it is a city that separates the border of Jews from the border of other nations then we must go out against them to prevent them from conquering this city, for from there it would be easier for them to conquer the rest of the land."

The ruling in Shulchan Aruch pertaining to a city close to the border is clear: "Even if the attackers only come to rob straw and stubble (i.e. they claim they want peace, not territory) one is obligated to take up arms and go out against them. If there is a possible question of Pikuach Nefesh, i.e. if Jewish lives are jeopardized, then even if it is a SAFEK SFEKA (a remote doubt), one must desecrate the Sabbath - because one is forbidden to allow even the most remote possibility of making it easier for the land to be conquered.

The current situation in our Holy Land us far more severe then that depicted in the Shulchan Aruch, for a number of reasons:

1) all settlements and towns in Israel are currently under discussion for transfer to Arabs "for the sake of peace", are not only towns close to the border: they are themselves the border.

2) The Arabs are not coming here for 'straw and stubble': they are declaring publicly that they want Jerusalem, Ramla, Lod, Jaffa and the Golan Heights.

3) The Israeli government's policy today is (heaven forbid) to surrender territories on a silver platter, by its own initiative. This will endanger all the residents of Israel, for it will open the way for attackers to conquer the entire land. Hence, this is certainly a matter of Pikuach Nefesh, without any shadow of doubt. In such a case the Shulchan Aruch rules (and no one contests this ruling) that one must take up arms and go out against them on the Sabbath, so that it will not be easy for them to conquer the land.

Many ask: 'is it Halachically permissible to surrender territories for peace?"

in our opinion, this question is misleading. If it is asked with all sincerity than it should be rephrased to read: "Is it permissible to jeopardize the Jews residing in Israel, to place them in a situation of Pikuach Nefesh, by handing over border towns to the Arabs, and receive in return (at the best…) a piece of paper?!!" As we now, unfortunately, witness, the mere negotiations on transferring settlements to the Arabs have encouraged the terrorists to intensify their attacks against Jews, in every part of Israel. It is frightening to just think what will happen (G-D forbid) if the government hands over those border towns.

The Torah which is a Toras Chaim (a Torah of life) provides the answers to every question that can arise in daily life, and it certainly has an answer to such a fateful questions which affects millions of Jews. The unequivocal ruling in the Shulchan Aruch is resoundingly clear: it lights up the way and guides us how to act in this case according to Torah. The ruling is that IT IS FORBIDDEN, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, TO HAND OVEER PARTS OF ISRAEL TO THE ARABS.

To this I affix my signature:

Rabbi Eliyahu Abuchatsera Chief Rabbi Nazrat                      Rabbi Yechiel Abuchatsera Chief Rabbi Ramla

Rabbi Eliyahu Abutbul Naharia                                                Rabbi Shlomo Aviner Chief Rabbi Beth El

Rabbi Asher J. Avidan Chief Rabbi Z'rachia                            Rabbi Israel Ariel "Machon Hamikdash"

Rabbi Aviad Binyamin Chief Rabbi Shafir area, of the Israel Chief Rabbinical Council Jerusalem

Rabbi Tsemach Abraham Chief Rabbi Yanov                         Rabbi Abraham Agiashvili Kiryat Ata

Rabbi Joseph Aberky Chief Rabbi Kiryat Yam                         Rabbi Tzvi Y. Adler Tel Aviv

Rabbi Moshe Admon Chief Rabbi Elishama                              Rabbi Natan Oirechman Akko

Rabbi Chananya Edri Ashdod                                                 Rabbi Jacob Edrei Or Yehuda

Rabbi Boruch Eidelstein Haifa                                                Rabbi Chaim Iram Chief Rabbi Elazar

Rabbi Aaron Aizental Chisipin                                                 Rabbi Refael Alashvili Chief Rabbi of Russian

Jews in Israel

Rabbi Mordechai Eilon Jerusalem                                           Rabbi Mordechai D. Altain Beiar Ilit

Rabbi Eliezer Altshuler Susya                                                Rabbi Shmuel Eliahu Chief Rabbi Tsfat

and Galilee Area

Rabbi Israel Elizera Chief Rabbi Ashdod                                 Rabbi Jacob Halevi Elyashiv Chief Rabbi Kiriat Yam

Rabbi Shimon Almaliach Chief Rabbi Atlit                               Rabbi Yitschak Alfasi Tel Aviv

Rabbi Jacob Alkabetz Chief Rabbi Achuzam & Lachish           Rabbi Moshe Alkabetz Chief Rabbi Ma'agalim

Rabbi Yonatan Elran Chief Rabbi Kochav Hashachar               Rabbi Eliyahu Asulin "Beit Eliezer" Chadera

Rabbi Jacob Ariel Chief Rabbi Ramat Gan                               Rabbi Mordechai Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi Kfar Chabad

Rabbi Azriel Ariel Chief Rabbi Ateret                                       Rabbi Michael Erlich Tel Aviv

Rabbi Moshe Ashkenazi Chabad Tel Aviv                               Rabbi Josef Ba - Gad "Nechalim" Yeshiva

Rabbi Yehuda Baharav Kiryat Malachi                                     Rabbi Moshe Butchko Chief Rabbi Kochav Jacob

Rabbi Moshe Biegel Chief Rabbi Meitar                                   Rabbi Ovadya Bidani Tel Aviv

Rabbi Tuvia Blau Jerusalem                                                    Rabbi Josef Blau Chief Rabbi Megilot Tamar

Rabbi Joseph Y. Belinov Bney Brak                                       Rabbi Yinam Ben Harush Oranit

Rabbi Elchanan Bin Nun Chief Rabbi Shilo                              Rabbi Moshe Havlin Kiriat Gat

Rabbi Shlomo Ben Chamo Chief Rabbi Kiryat Gat                   Rabbi Eliezer Brod Chief Rabbi Karmey Yosef

Rabbi Menachem Ben Jacob "Machon Meir" Jerusalem          Rabbi Yechiel Gavra Yavne

Rabbi Matanya Ben Shachar Chief Rabbi Neveh Daniel          Rabbi Azarya Basis Chief Rabbi Rosh Ha'ayin

Rabbi David Bar Chen Chief Rabbi Shderot                             Rabbi Noaam I. Bar Tov Balfuria

Rabbi Moshe A. Broide Givataim                                            Rabbi Daniel Gabay Mevasert Tzion

Rabbi Jacob Gagulashvili Rabbi of the                                   Rabbi Abraham Giser Chief Rabbi Ofra

Rabbi Shalom Gold Jerusalem                                                Rabbi Gabriel Goldman Chief Rabbi Kfar Adumim

Rabbi Y. Gurari Chief Rabbi Cholon                                  Rabbi Menachem Gluchovsky Rechovot

Rabbi Zcharya Guri Chief Rabbi Avital, Ta'anach                     Rabbi Menachem Glitsenstein Chif Rabbi Maale Efraim

Rabbi Shimon Garelik Naharia

Rabbi Josef Gliksberg Member of the Israel Chief Rabbinical Council and Chief Rabbi Givataim

Rabbi Josef S. Gerlitzky Rabbi of Central Tel Aviv                 Rabbi Shabtay Zelikovitz Mevaseret Zion

Rabbi David H. Grinwald Chief Rabbi Nechalim                      Rabbi Yona Dovrat Chief Rabbi Mevo Choron

Rabbi Israel A. Gerhstenkorn Chief Rabbi Kiriat Malachi        Rabbi Mordechai Dovrovski Rishon Letzion

Rabbi David Dudkevits Chief Rabbi Yitzhar                             Rabbi David M. Drukman Chief Rabbi Kiriat Motzkin

Rabbi Simcha Doitch Bnei Brak                                              Rabbi Chaim Drukman "Or Etzion"

Rabbi Abraham Y. Dulgin Ramat Eshkol, Jerusalem               Rabbi Arie Dremer Ramat Gan

Rabbi Chananya Deri Chief Rabbi Jaffa                                   Rabbi Shlomo Damary Chief Rabbi Mateh Yehuda

Rabbi Jakob Derie B'dolach                                                    Rabbi Moshe Y. Waiss "Neve Achiezer", Bney Brak

Rabbi Josef Hecht Chief Rabbi Eilat                                        Rabbi Yeshayahu Hertzel Chief Rabbi Nazeret Eilit

Rabbi Micha Halevi Nachalat Yitzchak, Tel Aviv                      Rabbi Menachem M. Volpa Natanya

Rabbi Yisrael Hlperin Hertzelia                                               Rabbi Abraham M. Halperin Jerusalem

Rabbi Levi Yitchok Halperin Rabbinical Technology Institution

Rabbi Naftali S. Vaknin "Ben Gurion", Lod

Rabbi Josef Y. Volosov Chief Rabbi Ramat Yishay                 Rabbi Chaim N. Veisblum Haifa

Rabbi Shlomo Volpa Kiriat Gat                                                Rabbi Pinchas M. Zander Tel Aviv

Rabbi Tzion Vaitsman Chief Rabbi Kochav Ya'akov                 Rabbi Mordechai Chaziza Chief Rabbi Mevaseret Tzion

Rabbi David Vaknin Chief Rabbi Menachamia                          Rabbi Josef Zini Ashdod

Rabbi Michael Vaknin Chief Rabbi Yokneam                           Rabbi Josef Zilberfarb Haifa

Rabbi Menashe Vaknin Tiberias                                              Rabbi Abraham Chazan Neve Nof, Lod

Rabbi Yehuda Zilberstein Chief Rabbi Kiriat Tivon                   Rabbi Yehoshua Chevroni Naharia

Rabbi Asher Zamel Rabbi of Lev Hasharon                              Rabbi Natan Chay Itamar

& Bnei Zion

Rabbi Reuven Zarki Tel Aviv                                                   Rabbi Dov Chaminetzki Tel Aviv

Rabbi Abraham Chovalashvili Ashklon                                   Rabbi David Chanzin Petach Tikva

Rabbi Ahaliav Chayun Tel Aviv                                               Rabbi Josef Tolidano Chief Rabbi Givat Zev

Rabbi Natan Chai Itamar                                                         Rabbi Dov Teichman Tiberias

Rabbi Baruch Tolidano Chief Rabbi Tirat Hacarmel                 Rabbi Yehuda Yeruslavski Kiriat Malachi

Rabbi Josef C. Hacohen Trab Hertslia Pituach & Nof Yam      Rabbi Shimon Jacob Tel Chaim

Rabbi Jacob Josef Jerusalem                                                 Rabbi Shmuel Yniv Chief Rabbi Givat Shmuel

Rabbi Boruch Boaz Yurkovits Lod                                         Rabbi Shaul Israeli "Eretz Chemda" Jerusalem

Rabbi Ovadia Yabetz Chief Rabbi Kiriat Ekron                         Rabbi Benjamin Cohen Ramla

Rabbi David Yifrach Rabbi "Igud Hasfaradim"                         Rabbi David Chai Cohen Bat Yam

Rabbi Menashe Isachar Chief Rabbi Pduel                              Rabbi Eliyahu Cohen Chief Rabbi Beit She'an

Rabbi Asher Lemil Cohen Chief Rabbi Beitar Ilit                      Rabbi Yoram Cohen Be'er Sheva

Rabbi Benjamin Cohen Netivot                                                Rabbi Ben Zion Lipsker Chief Rabbi Arad

Rabbi Josef Cohen Ramla                                                       Rabbi Moshe Leventhal Chief Rabbi Beit Yatir

Rabbi Shmuel Cohen Ramat Gan                                            Rabbi Zecharya Karmi Chief Rabbi Shetulim

Rabbi She'ar Yashuv Cohen Member of the Israel Chief Rabbinical Council and Chief Rabbi Haifa

Rabbi Efraim Michaelshvili Ashkelon

Rabbi Moshe Katz Beit Shemesh                                             Rabbi David Lachiani Chief Rabbi Safsufa

Rabbi Itschak Levanon Be'er Sheva                                        Rabbi Shlomo Lipsh Kfar Acim

Rabbi Refael Halevi Levinson Tel Adashim                                Rabbi Shalom D. Lifshitz Ramat Gan

Rabbi Dov Lior Chief Rabbi Kfar Haroe,                                    Rabbi Ben Zion Michaelshvili "Givat Hazeitim" Lod Kiriat Arba, Hevron                                                                                   Rabbi Menachem M. Liberman Ashkelon

Rabbi Moshe L. Landa Chief Rabbi and Dayan, Bnei Brak

Rabbi Eliyahu Mali "Ateret Kohanim" Jerusalem                       Rabbi Eliezer Melamed Chief Rabbi Har Bracha

Rabbi Meir Mazuz Chief Justice of Israel's Supreme Rabbinical Court, Jerusalem

Rabbi Josef Kaplan Chief Rabbi Sitria

Rabbi Mordechai Mizrachi Ramat Yisrael, Tel Aviv                 Rabbi Shalom H. Machpuz "Kol Juda" - Rehovot

Rabbi Moshe Maimon Chief Rabbi Kiriat Ata                            Rabbi Nisim Malka Haifa

Rabbi Itzhak Malachi Tel Aviv                                                 Rabbi Shlomo Min Hahar "Bait Vagan" Jerusalem

Rabbi Yeshayahu Maitlis Naharia                                           Rabbi Meir Swisa Be'er Sheva

Rabbi Moshe Michalashvili Kiriat Malachi                               Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Rabbi Tirat Hakarmel

Rabbi Jacob Mendlson Ein Tamar, Neot Hakikar, Tamar          Rabbi Zev Dov Slonim Jerusalem

Rabbi David A. Mendelboim Bnei Brak                                   Rabbi Naftali Marinovski Chief Rabbi Lehavim

Rabbi Abraham Nachshon "Machon Hamikdash" Jerusalem Rabbi Ben Zion Amar Shvut Rachel

Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neria Rabbi of Bnei Akiva Yeshivot            Rabbi Eliyahu Uziel Chief Rabbi Misgav Area

Rabbi David A. Spector Chief Rabbi Nokdim                           Rabbi Yehoshua Uliel Dimona

Rabbi Itzchak Azriel Kiriat Malachi                                          Rabbi Moshe Pinkovitz Cholon

Rabbi Ratzon Arusi Chief Rabbi Kiriat Ono and Member of the Israel Chief Rabbinical Council

Rabbi Yona Porat Revacha                                                      Rabbi Naftali Fiegenboim Tel Aviv

Rabbi Micha Peled Nativ Hashayara                                        Rabbi Yekutiel Farkash Jerusalem

Rabbi Yehuda Felix Elkana                                                     Rabbi Shneior Prosper Jerusalem

Rabbi Gidon Perel Chief Rabbi Alon Shvut                               Rabbi Shlomo Frank Akko

Rabbi Jacob Peretz "Midrash Sfaradi" Jerusalem                     Rabbi Shlomo Tsadok Jerusalem

Rabbi Josef Tsuberi Chief Rabbi of the Yemen Jews in Israel Rabbi Chain Tsanani Rosh Haain

Rabbi Iser Klonski Jerusalem

Rabbi Josef Kapach Chief Justice of Israel's Supreme Rabbinical Court, Jerusalem

Rabbi Benjamin Kuperman Ramat Gan                                   Rabbi Josef Karasik Chief Rabbi Arava Area

Rabbi Josef Katashvili Askelon                                              Rabbi Shlomo Rosefeld Chief Rabbi Beit Shean Area

Rabbi Moshe Klein Tsafaria                                                     Rabbi Aharon Keler Chief Rabbi Naharia

Rabbi Moshe Kleers "Emek Refaim" Jerusalem                       Rabbi Avshalom Katzir Chief Rabbi El - Al

Rabbi Avshalom Kil Gan Ner                                                   Rabbi Eliezer Knohl Chief Rabbi Kfar Etzion

Rabbi Igal Kaminetzki Chief Rabbi Gaza Area                         Rabbi Yechezkel Refaeli Naharia

Rabbi Shmuel Hacohen Kaplan Chief Rabbi Bat Galim, Haifa Rabbi Yhuda M. Stern Chief Rabbi Elkana

Rabbi Shlomo Katzin "Midrash Sfardi", Jerusalem                   Rabbi Yechiel Shimon Jerusalem

Rabbi Yehuda Kroizer Chief Rabbi Mitspeh Yericho                 Rabbi Shlomo Hacohen Riskin Chief Rabbi Efrat

Rabbi Aminadadv Krispin Chief Rabbi Kiriat Bialik                   Rabbi Eliyahu Cohen Rabin Kiriat Hyovel, Jerusalem

Rabbi Israel Rushetzki Chief Rabbi Mt. Hermon Area             Rabbi Shmuel Shnur Migdal Ha'emek

Rabbi Jacob Raitzes Chief Rabbi Yesod Hama'ala                   Rabbi Aharon Shapira Pardes Katz

Rabbi Yair Shachor Chief Rabbi Ma'ale Levona                        Rabbi David Turgeman Dimona

Rabbi Zevulun Shadmi Rabbi of East Tel Aviv                         Rabbi Natan Sharabi Rehovot

Rabbi Jacob Pinchas Shir Chief Rabbi Kfar Saba                    Rabbi Josef Sharabi Givat Mordechai Jerusalem

Rabbi Abraham Shlush Chief Rabbi Kfar Saba                         Rabbi David Shapira Beit Hakerem, Jerusalem

Rabbi Abraham Shapira Israel Chief Rabbi                              Rabbi Avinoam Taizi Chief Rabbi Talmey Yechiel

Rabbi Seadia Shalom Maatuf Chief Rabbi Bareket                  Rabbi Arie Se'adya Yavneh

Rabbi Avigdor Neventsal Chief Rabbi Jerusalem Old City       Rabbi Yishay Samuel Yonatan

Rabbi Moshe Hadaya Chief Rabbi Eilat                                    Rabbi Israel J. Hendel Migdal Ha'emek

Rabbi Shmuel E. Halperin "Bies Yisroel" Jerusalem                Rabbi Reuven Hiler Hod Hasharon

Hear Ye Hear Ye. YESHA BULLETIN and Fwd: TZC-Newsletter Chanuka-5769 - Print out and read on Shabbat -

bs"d

Dear Fellow Activist, lover of Eretz Yisroel, amv"sh

There is a fantastic website http://www.yeshabulletin.com. It is growing by leaps and bounds.  A few weeks ago it was getting 5,000 hits a day.  A few days later it was getting 7,000 a day.  I haven't checked the statistics lately.

What makes it so fantastic?

A most attractive feature is "News from Israel" streaming  today's headlines and links from Arutz7 with just a click of the mouse.  In addition, each day one can also access Breaking news items from  YNET News, JPOST and INN NEWS.  No need to visit all these sites independently.   Make Yeshabulletin your home page and it will link you to major news items of the day from multiple online news sources.. 

But most importantly it has the most undiluted, raw authentic news, pictures and videos from the courageous fighters for Eretz Yisroel coming from the heart of Eretz Yisroel within Yesha

Simply go to FIGHT BACK Event Supporting Yesha,FIGHT FOR YESHA featuring:

WIG (Women In Green), co-founders Ruth and Nadia Matar

Committe and Struggle for a Jewish SHDEMA,
The struggle for Beit Hashalom in Hebron
 Photo Essay and Video from Peace House Expulsion
Destruction of the Federman and Tor House,Kiryat Arba/Charsina,
Fantastic video from The Committee to Free Jonathan Pollard,
A survey regarding how the gov't should respond to the capture of Gilad Shalit,
VAT (Victims Against Terror). 

Soon and  forthcoming links to Yesha Rabbanim and Yesha Artists. 

There is social bookmarking as well (like facebook for English speakers and other social networks in different languages).

It's quite amazing how this website has just flown off the roof.

Those that advertise or who are linked to this website are simply phenomenal organizations all dedicated to building Eretz Yisroel.  For example there is a link to Neve Avrahom a Special Ed Center in Kiryat Arba, Director Chaviva Tzachor  and a front page ad for Mishmeret Yesha, Founder Israel Danziger whose presence in YESHA is a lifeline to the residents in Yesha.  Among many other important functions, Mishmeret Yesha trains the first response teams, those that are first to respond on site when G-d forbid there is a terror attack.  Many lives have been saved as a result of this extremely important work. 

I have insider knowledge that YeshaBulletin is planning a newsletter  emphasizing our entitlement of Eretz Yisroel with the spirit of Calev Ben Yefuneh and Yehoshua ben Nun.  It will feature a regular column among others by Nadia Matar and the pioneering work of Women in Green.  It's motto is "Be a Partner with Israel and Don't Part with Israel."

Bli neder I will keep you updated should you wish to subscribe to this exciting new venture! Or better yet, just log in to Yeshabulletin.com regularly and find out from there.

Now I wish to tell you about another fantastic media item.

Attached please find the TZC Newsletter entitled "Israel and the Jewish World".

This is an excellent weekly newsletter circulated in Toronto which I get late Thursday night. I have just recently begun to receive it but I understand it has been circulating in Toronto for many many years.  According to Israel Kaplan, famous for his activism on behalf of Eretz Yisroel in Toronto,  the Torontonians need it as a weekly fix.  They devour it each week. 

This newsletter can be viewed in pdf or html format.  This week's edition, Shabbat Chanukah, Parshat Miketz , is 6 pages long  -  a newly expanded edition up from 4 pages.  This newsletter has a relatively small font so that more can fit on a page. It has no ads or pictures except of a Chanuka Menorah in honor of Shabbat Chanukah. Distribution in Toronto is by dedicated volunteers, running around before Shabbos distributing it to the local shuls. This newsletter is put out by Toronto Zionist Council - Editor Yossi Winter, President TZC, Israel Kaplan VP TZC. 

Please print and read it over Shabbat.  There is up to date news, articles and commentary supporting our entitlement to Eretz Yisroel and the ramifications of the political scene on keeping Our Land.  This kind of reading just  doesn't get into mainstream press.  If you haven't noticed, mainstream press is dominated by left wing politics.

So let us do our own circulation.

Make extra copies and give it to friends and neighbors for eye opening Shabbos reading material. I wish I could say it makes enjoyable Shabbos reading. To be perfectly honest it gets me upset to read what I read. 

I am not a Rav and can not paskin, but if I was, I would paskin, rule halachically, that even though one should refrain from an activity that would detract from his/her Oneg Shabbat, his/her Shabbos enjoyment, when it's a matter of Pikuach Nefesh, a matter concerning life and death for the Jewish people,  it is permitted and even required reading on Shabbat. 

Please let me know your thoughts and share them as well with the most dedicated and most concerned Jews around, residing in Toronto. "Yossi Winter" <tzc@torzc.org>, "Israel Kaplan" <israelkaplan@yahoo.com> and the entire Toronto team.  These Jews exemplify with action and with deed what Rabbi Nachman of Breslov says "Hamokom Sheli Hu Eretz Yisroel. Kol Asher Ani Nosea, Ani Nosea L'Eretz Yisroel".  My place is the Land of Israel and every which way I travel I am traveling towards the Land of Israel.

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukah,

Robin

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: TZC <tzc@torzc.org>
Date: Thu, Dec 25, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Subject: TZC-Newsletter Chanuka-5769
To: Yossi Winter <cooljoe@torzc.org>

SHABAT SHALOM V'CHAG URIM SAMEACH!

Fwd: President George W. Bush Grants Posthumous Pardon to Charles Winters from Jay Ticker

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jay Ticker <JTicker@nyhomes.org>
Date: Tue, Dec 23, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Subject: Re: President George W. Bush Grants Posthumous Pardon to Charles Winters
To: Office of Public Liaison <Jewish.Public.Liaison@whitehouse.gov>



Dear Mr. Arogeti:
What about a pardon for Joanthan Pollard while he's still alive?
Very nice President Bush grants a pardon to Charles Winter, but Pollard has been scapegoated more than long enough.
Sincerely,
Jay M. Ticker
>>> "Office of Public Liaison" <Jewish.Public.Liaison@WhiteHouse.Gov> 12/23/2008 3:31:43 PM >>>
Jewish Leaders,



Earlier today, President Bush granted a Posthumous Pardon to Charles Winters, who was convicted in 1949 for violating the Neutrality Act in connection with his role supplying aircraft for Israel's defense in the 1948 War of Independence.



* Charles Thompson Winters - Miami
Offense: Conspiracy to export, and exportation, of a military aircraft to a foreign country in violation of the Neutrality Act of 1939;  22 U.S.C. § 448(a).
Sentence: Feb. 4, 1949; Southern District of Florida; 18 months in prison, $5,000 fine.



Chag Sameach,



Scott Arogeti

White House Liaison to the Jewish Community





 _____

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
www.USDOJ.GOV

CRM
(202) 514-2007
TDD (202) 514-1888


President George W. Bush Grants Pardons and Commutation


WASHINGTON - On Dec. 23, 2008, President George W. Bush granted pardons to 19 individuals and commutation of sentence to one individual:

PARDONS:

* William Thomas Alvis III - Flushing, Ohio
Offense: Possession of an unregistered firearm, 26 U.S.C. § 5861; distribution of cocaine, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a) (1).
Sentence: May 21, 1990; Northern District of West Virginia; 13 months in prison, five years of supervised release following the prison term.

* John Allen Aregood a/k/a Johnny (Sonny) Aregood - Riviera, Texas
Offense: Conspiracy to harbor and transport illegal aliens; 18 U.S.C. § 371, 8 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii)(iii).
Sentence: Nov. 21, 1996; Southern District of Texas; three years of probation, $1,000 fine.

* Eric Charles Blanke - Parker, Colo.
Offense: Making impressions of obligations of the United States; 18 U.S.C. § 474.
Sentence: July 21, 1995; Southern District of California; three years of probation conditioned on performance of 50 hours of community service.

* Steve Doyle Cavender - The Villages, Fla.
Offense: Conspiring to import, possess, distribute and dispense marijuana; importing and causing to be imported marijuana; possessing marijuana with intent to distribute; 18 U.S.C. § 371, 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 952(a).
Sentence: Aug. 6, 1973; Northern District of Alabama; six months in prison in a jail-type institution, five years of probation, two years of special parole.

* Marie Elena Eppens a/k/a Marie Elana Eppens - Lynden, Wash.
Offense: Conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana; 21 U.S.C. § 846.
Sentence: June 9, 1992; District of Nebraska; four years of probation conditioned on 60 days of confinement in a jail-type institution on work release, four months of home detention and performance of 200 hours of community service.

* Lydia Lee Ferguson a/k/a Lydia Lee Helland - Sun City, Ariz.
Offense: Aiding and abetting possession of stolen mail; 18 U.S.C. §§ 1708 and 2.
Sentence: Nov. 5, 1990; District of Arizona; 18 months in prison, 36 months of supervised release, $5,000 restitution.

* Eduviges Duvi Gonzalez-Matsumura a/k/a Eduviges Duvi Gonzalez - Clovis, Calif.
Offense: Aiding and abetting embezzlement of bank funds; 18 U.S.C. §§ 656 and 2.
Sentence: May 10, 1993; Central District of California; two months in prison, three years of supervised release conditioned on performance of 300 hours of community service.

* George Clarence Greene Jr. - Gray, Ga.
Offense: Mail fraud; 18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 and 2.
Sentence: Nov. 21, 1985; Northern District of Georgia; three years of probation, $1,000 fine.

* James Won Hee Kang a/k/a Won Hee Kang - South Barrington, Ill.
Offense: Trafficking in counterfeit goods; 18 U.S.C. § 2320.
Sentence: May 9, 1985; Northern District of Illinois; one year of probation, $5,000 fine.

* Alan Stephen Maiss - Reno, Nev.
Offense: Misprision of a felony; 18 U.S.C. § 4.
Sentence: Dec. 20, 1995; Eastern District of Louisiana; one year of probation, $5,000 fine.

* Richard Harold Miller - Tallahassee, Fla.
Offense: Conspiracy to defraud the United States; 18 U.S.C. § 371.
Sentence: April 13, 1993; Northern District of Florida; five years of probation, $10,000 fine.

* Delano Abraham Nixon - Neosho Rapids, Kan.
Offense: Forging the endorsement on a U.S. Treasury check; 18 U.S.C. § 495.
Sentence: Feb. 2, 1962; District of Kansas; three years of probation conditioned upon payment of restitution.

* John H. Overholt  - Black Hawk, S.D.
Offense: Concealment of information affecting Social Security benefits; 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(4).
Sentence: Feb. 2, 1998; District of South Dakota; two years of probation, $1,500 fine, $10,620 restitution.

* Morris Keith Parker - Georgetown, S.C.
Offense: Misprision of a felony; 18 U.S.C. § 4.
Sentence: Oct. 2, 1991; District of South Carolina; three years of probation conditioned on performance of 150 hours of community service.

* Robert Truman Reece - Redondo Beach, Calif.
Offense: 1 and 2.  Unauthorized absence. 3.  Unauthorized absence; missing ship's movement.
Sentence: 1: Oct. 12, 1949; 15 days of confinement, 30 days of extra police duties and forfeiture of $15 pay per month for six months. 2:  Nov. 28, 1949; six months of probation. 3:  Sept. 21, 1950; forfeiture of $30 pay per month for two months and a bad conduct discharge.  1, 2 and 3: U.S. Navy court-martial.

* Donald Edward Roessler - Harrison, Ohio
Offense: Embezzlement of mail matter; 18 U.S.C. § 1709.
Sentence: April 19, 1971; Southern District of Ohio; two years of probation.

* Issac Robert Toussie - Brooklyn, N.Y.
Offense: False statements to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 18 U.S.C. § 1001; mail fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1341.
Sentence: Sept. 22, 2003; Eastern District of New York; five months in prison, three years of supervised release conditioned on five months of home detention, $10,000 fine.

* Charles Thompson Winters - Miami
Offense: Conspiracy to export, and exportation, of a military aircraft to a foreign country in violation of the Neutrality Act of 1939;  22 U.S.C. § 448(a).
Sentence: Feb. 4, 1949; Southern District of Florida; 18 months in prison, $5,000 fine.

* David Lane Woolsey - St. George, Utah
Offense: Aiding and abetting violation of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act; 16 U.S.C. § 470ee (a) and 18 U.S.C. § 2.
Sentence: Oct. 6, 1992; District of Utah; three years of probation conditioned on performance of 100 hours of community service.

COMMUTATION:

* Reed Raymond Prior - Des Moines, Iowa
Offense: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1).
Sentence: April 11, 1996; Southern District of Iowa; life in prison, 10 years of supervised release.
Terms of commutation: Prison sentence to expire on Feb. 23, 2009, leaving intact and in effect the 10-year term of supervised release with all its conditions.

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The Bigger Picture - Jonathan Pollard - Weapons of Mass Destruction given to Saddam Hussein by USA w/o informing Israel.

bs"d

My Dear Fellow Activists for Israel, amv"sh

The White House number to call is 1-202-456-1111.  Put it on your cell phone with a daily reminder.  Then spread the word that America should be forced to explain why the USA failed to share with Israel crucial intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. 

That reflects a USA betrayal to Israel rather than disloyalty of Jonathan Pollard to America.

Please read on for the bigger picture...

Jonathan Pollard shared military intelligence regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) with Israel only after America who was supposed to share such info with Israel failed to do so. Jonathan Pollard shared intelligence to Israel about a chemical weapons plant in Samarra, Iraq.

According to this Worldnetdaily Exclusive News Analysis:
Did U.S. give WMD to Saddam Hussein?
Case of Jonathan Pollard raises troubling questions
www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=84195 ,

In the above post, Phd Richard Cummings  describes how Casper Weinberger then Secretary of Defense had assured the Israeli's that nothing was going on when the Israeli's approached him regarding what they considered suspicious in Samarra, Iraq. 

Pollard asked his superior officers at the Naval Academy why the U.S. was not supplying Israel with this intelligence.  Apparently to no avail.  It was only at this point that Jonathan Pollard decided to spy for Israel and offered Israel proof, military intelligence, that indeed it was a chemical weapons plant, and that Bechtel a giant American Construction company was facilitating the construction of the plant through a number of different companies. The firms were
camouflaging it as a "dual-use facility that could be explained away as a
fertilizer plant.".The weapons were deemed necessary for Saddam to use against Iran, the home of the Islamic revolution. Apparently the U.S. felt that empowering Saddam Hussein a ruthless dictator with WMD, at Israel's expense, was justified in order to destroy other forces of evil.

At that time, Jonathan Pollard made a moral judgment call and ANSWERED TO A HIGHER AUTHORITY. Everyone agrees that he did not become a spy to Israel because of personal monetary gain!

Let us imagine the following scenario.  If IRAQ who openly expressed interest in annihilating Israel had used their chemical weapons plant against Israel, and a catastrophe of major proportions would have happened, then Jonathan Pollard would have had to live with a life sentence in his conscience far worse than the life sentence he is presently enduring.

Before judging Jonathan Pollard, let us consider the following. If prior to the World Trade Center attack, an ally nation of the USA would have had intelligence of this evil plan and failed to share it, wouldn't we have held them indirectly responsible for the thousands of lives lost, property damage and indescribable grief at the horrific tragedy of 911? Look at the extensive damage caused from just some airplanes. Now imagine the potential damage to Israel from Weapons of Mass Destruction coming from Iraq.. 

Our campaign to free Pollard should not focus on apologizing why Jonathan Pollard acted as he did but rather why did AMERICA put Jonathan Pollard into this moral dilemma?????

Furthermore, is America once again using Israel as they are doing for Jonathan Pollard as their negotiating pawn, merely a bargaining chip in their Mideast diplomacy?  Don't they know that FATAH is interested in annihilating Israel?  Still they promote a 2 State Solution,  empowering Fatah which is putting Israel in grave danger?

Let President Bush use this opportunity to grant clemency to Jonathan Pollard and his legacy will remember him kindly for this action.

Otherwise, history will prove that once again President Bush has sold Israel away to her enemies for his foreign interests in oil producing countries.

What is the result of actions that put Israel into dangers? These  "moderate" Islamic governed countries see our "gestures of peace" which come at the expense of Israel's security, as a sign of weakness in America's fight against terror.  This in turn strengthens Islamic Fascism and empowers terrorism and the axis of evil.

The White House number to call is 1-202-456-1111.  Put it on your cell phone with a daily reminder. 

And as much as we don't want to know the gritty details about what happened  to Jonathan Pollard in prison, we must raise our consciousness in order to prevent such tragedies to continue.  Our Jewish leaders who have taken it upon themselves to act on behalf of Jonathan Pollard have chosen to do so under this veil of silent diplomacy.  I am referring to  Malcolm Hoenlein of Conference of Presidents, Rabbi Pesach Lerner of National Council of Young Israel and David Zweibel of Agudath Yisroel of America.  But this has been going on for the past 23 years. There are 7 days left to Bush's administration.  Maybe Silent Diplomacy is just not working?  And we thought that torture was only reserved for the Islamic terrorists of Mumbai lehavdil..

Pollard: I was tortured in prison

http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44170

Comments and Response to Rafi to the previous post regarding police force teenager in the violation of Shabbat.

bs"d

Dear Rafi, amv'sh

A beautiful letter from you!  Thank you for writing and for your previous letter with recommendations of contacts. Thank you so much for mentioning it again.

My purpose was not to greater the divide between religious and non religious. It wasn't merely to vent.  I don't usually resort to such language.

The purpose of writing so harshly is because I am hoping that the negative press would reach the parties in the gov't of Israel  who are openly defying Torah and G-d's law to fight the settlers. 

It was also to educate those on the left, religious and not religious, who actually agree with the gov't's approach, to see that the tactics have just gone too far. The vulgar language somehow shocks them into seeing that we too can fight back when pushed.

It's also important to the naive supporters on the right to understand what tactics the gov't are willing to take if left unchecked. Many on the right are still naive thinking that the gov't would not stoop so low as to use that which is most precious to them.  They must be prepared for what awaits them G-d forbid and prepare accordingly.

The publication has been in my heart and in my mind. I'm afraid not much more.  I spoke with someone in my neighborhood who wants to help but only with material that was non confrontational, Diplomacy as he put it.  I understand and agree with his points up to a point.  The points you mention below have strong validity. 

I decided to focus on source material that is primarily references from Tanach, Rishonim, Achronim, Lubavitch Rebbe,  modern day Rabbanim such as Rabbi Algaze etc and modern day history such as Balfour Declaration, Conference of Remo which gives us the sources for our entitlement of our Land from the Torah and International Law. 

So I spent an entire night trying to download indesign from Adobe and was not successful.  Perhaps my computer does not have enough memory.  Then I spent the next few nights catching up on sleep.

I feel that we need a combination of "Diplomacy" non negative media imbued with the spirit of Calev ben Yefuneh and Yehoshua bin Nun, as well as different material that will expose the Jewish leadership for following the footsteps of the Spies of the desert and steer them in the direction towards Eretz Yisroel.  The purpose of the negative material would be so that it acts like a vaccination.  A little bit of Lashon Hara to prevent the greater sin of Lashon Hara of the Spies.  (Lashon Hara is permitted when it is in order to prevent future harm to others)

I also was thinking that If I can show in some other publication, that there is no one group that has a monopoly on the Torah (the secular Zionists have a love of Eretz Yisroel and the Chareidim have a love of different Mitzvoth in the Torah) this will ultimately unite us.

What is unique about my approach is that there is practically no group that I have not been critical of.  If I were to write about myself, trust me, I would find plenty of negative things to write about as well.  

What will unite Am Yisroel is that we are all human and have our weaknesses.  We also have our strengths.  I have been quite harsh against the right including Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah, OU, Young Israel, Aish Hatorah, Manhigut Yehudit, the Hebron Fund and the Hebron community and even the leaders and communities of Gush Katif.   (and I see them all by far as much more worthy than myself).  Each and every group has been upset with me each for their own reason. I am hoping that when they see I attack everyone equally,  that they will see that indeed they are in excellent company and hopefully will somehow forgive me.

 G-d expects from us almost the impossible. We must put our complete faith and trust in Him alone and on each other and disregard where our present source of income, our bread and butter is coming from. It is nothing short of revolutionary.

 I am afraid that an economic collapse will trigger just that but it could be prevented if we are proactive in joining together to assert our entitlement for Eretz Yisroel and our yearning for Torah and Mitzvoth especially in Eretz Yisroel.

We get the Jewish Voice from NY.  Publisher David Ben Hooren.  Editor in Chief Avi Ben Mordechai. It had a very positive cover page article/interview with Feiglin .

I thought that this was the Voices that you suggested.  But when I went back to your email I realized that it was a totally different Voices. 

On a superficial glance the Voices, editor Sharon Katz is very upbeat but too naive. (btw I just subscribed).  Too upbeat.  For example, they celebrate Israel's 60 year anniversary.  To me that's like celebrating the anniversary of a spouse that wishes to commit homicide and suicide.

   Paul Eidelberg in his last email seemed to hit the nail on the head (I just emailed it to you and posted it).  The origin of the State of Israel has a flaw (secular Zionism) that is now turning into a crack. 

The Torah has been the basis for the modern day Republic and  democracy too has roots in Torah.  Yet if one dares to suggest that Torah should be the basis of the government of  Eretz Yisroel  one is labeled radical, messianic and extremist.

We are in a war that we did not choose. It is a religious War.  The time has come to recognize our religion and that is why I put an emphasis on calling upon the Moetzet Gedolei Hatorah to stop hiding behind their silence. 

Our job is to introduce Torah, Torah Shebichtav and a Sanhedrin, the Torah Shebaal Peh into a philosophical and intellectual  discussion for a working and operational government in Eretz Yisroel.  Discussions on Halacha and Torah Shebaal Peh are necessary and of course welcome as long as one recognizes that there is room for differences of opinion when it comes to Halacha. Ideally there would be a Sanhedrin that would be assigned to determine the law of the Land but allows for Hillels and Shamais who love and respect each other.    (no religious coercion on items such as wearing pants or separate seating concerts)  

Our belief in Hashem, and  the Torah is our common denominator. Torah is relevant.  Torah is politically correct.  Only Torah can unite all people and all nations and this is not a naive statement. It is EMES and it requires intellectual honesty in the reading the words and interpreting the words of our Torah. .


When we unite in our desire to keep the Torah and the Mitzvoth the Nations of the world will say "Am Chacham Venavon"!

Sincerely, Robin             

On Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 1:16 AM, Dobrin <dan-dob@zahav.net.il> wrote:

Dear Robin,

 

I know the overall situation is grim and that things that are done by the authorities are often more than infuriating. So it's natural to give vent to our feelings, and the electronic mail is a great way of letting lose against those we deem to be harming the Jewish people.

 

And even if you absolutely correct in every statement you make, (or was it someone else who wrote this mail) and even if all the facts that are mentioned are absolutely as they were without any hyperbole, the question is: who is getting your mails and what do they accomplish?

 

I would guess that most of the recipients of your mails are people who fully support the settlers in Judea and Samaria, as I do. And many probably send these mails to their contacts, who are probably mostly of a similar disposition. I would guess that very few of the people who are indifferent to the situation of the Jews of "Yesha" or even antagonistic to them, receive your mails.

 

So what does this mail do for Israel and the Jewish people? I think it must stoke more anger on the part of people who get them. Resentment, frustration, a feeling of betrayal, abandonment, a wish to retaliate and more really negative feelings … towards other Jews.

 

Israel is badly split along a number of fault lines. Religiously – among the various religious groups themselves and vis a vis the hilonim; politically – even within parties; ashkenazim and sephardim – although gratifyingly this split is less pronounced than before; rich/poor; left wing against right wing against center; retaliate strongly and to hell with what the consequences will be vis a vis caution; etc etc.

 

And more than ever before we need unity and understanding among ourselves. We need to foster mutual respect and morale. We need to encourage meaningful debate dafka with people with whom we are in disagreement. Meanwhile the disunity in the nation is getting worse and worse and we will not survive like this.

 

I'm not saying that you shouldn't relate to what's happening to the Jews of Yesha and Israel's lack lustre performance against our would-be destroyers. But please consider the effect of your words. Do they heal, strengthen, inform accurately; do they generate understanding from the other side and to the other side? Do they strengthen Israel and the Jewish people? If your words do all these things that's great. But they might actually contribute further to the disunity and weakening of our nation. And I would imagine that that's not what you want.

 

By the way, have you progressed with your idea of a publication? Did you get my mail with a few leads which I sent you a few weeks ago? I spent quite a lot of time trying to contact old leads and talking to people. It would be nice to know that you got my e-mail.

 

Yours,

Rafi

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